Christmas Ballet in 1916

Hello my darling dears, and welcome back to Pink-Tutu.com! I'm Emma, your tutu-clad guide to all things Christmas ballet, and this week, we're taking a journey back in time to the dazzling year of 1916. Now, you might think 1916 - during the throes of the Great War - doesn't sound particularly Christmassy, but trust me, the magic of ballet endured, even amidst hardship.

This week, we're diving headfirst into the fascinating world of Christmas ballet during the Great War. Think fluffy tutus, sparkling snowflakes, and maybe a dash of wartime grit. Buckle up, darlings, it's going to be a festive ride!

Ah, 1916... the year of the Battle of the Somme, the Easter Rising, and the introduction of conscription. The world felt far from merry. Yet, against a backdrop of conflict and uncertainty, the twinkling lights of the ballet stage still held a glimmer of joy.

London’s theatres hummed with the music of Tchaikovsky and Strauss, a symphony of escape and beauty. It was, perhaps, the very reason for ballet's enduring popularity during this bleak period.

In Derbyshire, where I call home, there was certainly a desire to bring a bit of sparkle to wartime life. The little theatre in my village had an amateur performance of "The Nutcracker," and there wasn't a dry eye in the house as Clara fought her way to Sugar Plum Land. You know how much I love those shimmering snowflakes! Imagine those with a backdrop of wartime rationing, it's all the more impactful.

Now, onto the glamorous stuff – the costumes! Oh my dear, those beautiful ballerinas must have been utterly delightful to watch, all those layers of tulle, silk, and velvet, a stark contrast to the muted browns and greys of the wartime era.

For instance, I recently found a photo in the archive of the Diaghilev Ballet Company from this period. The dancers are wearing stunning, diaphanous skirts with just a hint of sparkle, reflecting the era’s fashion for light, luxurious fabrics, and long, flowing lines. They created a sense of otherworldliness that captivated audiences and helped them to forget the grim realities of their time.

Even the hairstyles were a vision! Sleek, graceful buns and simple yet elegant plaits, perfect for the flowing, graceful choreography.

Imagine, dear readers, twirling in a fluffy pink tutu, performing a pas de deux with a handsome gentleman as the world outside crackled with wartime tension. It’s no wonder ballet became an escape for many in those uncertain times.

Speaking of escapism, you won’t believe what I got up to this weekend! I spent Friday evening at the theatre in my village, enjoying a revival of “The Nutcracker.” The company I saw was truly wonderful - such amazing, light movements and captivating costuming, all within that traditional setting of snowflakes and bonbons. I did, of course, spot one gentleman in the audience with a pink feather boa! I'm going to get you all into pink tutus, you know, that is my lifelong goal!

Saturday, it was a little more unconventional - a flash mob performance of the iconic swan lake on the train platform. Well, it was snowing that day, you know how much I love snowy landscapes! A bit different from the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, but absolutely delightful. The other passengers just gasped with wonder. One lady actually joined in with a beautiful sequence of graceful jumps and poses, you just don’t see that on the commute these days!

Well darlings, I hope you’ve enjoyed your little trip back to 1916! Join me next week, as we explore the extraordinary story of the Christmas ballet during a fascinating decade. From the roaring 20s, with their jazz-infused dance, to the glitter of Art Deco - get ready to have some fun and celebrate the Christmas magic that has always made this time of year so special. Remember, if you need any fashion inspiration for your next dance performance, check out the gallery on my website www.pink-tutu.com. Don't forget to leave me a comment below telling me about your own ballet adventures.

Until next time, keep it pink and twirly!

Love, Emma